As July dawns, the Church finds herself deep in the long green season of Ordinary Time — a time that is anything but ordinary. These summer days, ablaze with light, invite us to contemplate the eternal radiance of God’s kingdom, breaking forth even in the midst of a fractured world. It is a month strewn with feasts and memories, of saints and martyrs whose lives whisper of heaven’s nearness.
Among those we commemorate are Thomas the Apostle (3 July), who dared to touch the wounded Christ and became a bold witness to the risen Lord — reminding us that faith often emerges through the honest struggle with doubt. On 22 July, we honour Mary Magdalene, apostola apostolorum, first herald of the Resurrection, whose tears at the empty tomb were turned into proclamation. And on 25 July, the Church turns toward St James the Apostle, son of thunder and martyr of Jerusalem, reminding us that discipleship is a road both radiant and rugged.
These saints are not distant relics of memory but vibrant companions who testify to the ongoing story of grace. As theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar once wrote, “The saints are sent so that the light of Christ may not go out in the world.” Their feasts anchor us, even as the long days stretch out like golden psalms over field and fen, summoning us into deeper communion with one another and with God.
In this season, the created order itself seems to lift its voice in praise. Gardens flourish, churches fill with the scent of flowers and Tony’s wood polish, and conversations linger at the thresholds of homes and sanctuaries. Community — sacred, messy, incarnational — becomes the living liturgy of July. The Kingdom is near, not only in the chalice and the creed, but in laughter shared across garden fences, in the elderly parishioner’s quiet wisdom, in the barefoot child trailing dandelions across the churchyard.
Yet, while the sunlight dances through stained glass and hedgerow alike, we cannot ignore the shadows that stretch across the global landscape. The world teeters dangerously close to the precipice of further war — from Gaza to Ukraine, from Sudan to silent battlegrounds within fractured societies. In this hour, we turn again to the God who “makes wars cease to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 46:9), and we dare to pray for peace, not as passive hope, but as costly commitment.


A Prayer for Peace

Lord of Hosts and Prince of Peace,
in a world riven with conflict and bruised by pride,
grant us the courage to be peacemakers in your name.
Let swords be beaten into ploughshares,
and the cries of the innocent be turned into songs of justice.
May your Church be a place of refuge,
your people bearers of light in every darkness,
and your Kingdom come — not only in heaven,
but here, amid the wild and waiting fields of July.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.


This month, may we not grow weary in our calling. Let us gather in worship and word, in bread and prayer, knowing that the Spirit is at work — quietly sowing seeds of renewal in our midst. As St Augustine reminds us, “In loving our neighbour, we prepare our eyes to see God.”

Let July be a hymn: sung under open skies, held by ancient rhythms, and charged with the holy possibility of transformation.

Some months ago, I came across a sermon series by the marvellous Pete Grieg. It highlights how, even amongst Christians, we often shy away from discussing our personal encounters with the Holy, our faith journeys and the miracles that happen all around us. The profound moments that give us a belief, or, the lifelong relationships with Christ. We so often shy away from topics of gifts, signs, wonders or even spiritual warfare. It’s entirely understandable why we don't discuss these personal moments. But, I invite you to open up, share your faith story and see who you can inspire. 
So very grateful to Bridget for sharing her journey in Christianity. ​

​Some months ago, I came across a sermon series by the marvellous Pete Grieg. It highlights how, even amongst Christians, we often shy away from discussing our personal encounters, our faith journeys and the miracles that happen all around us. The profound moments that give us a belief, or, the lifelong relationships with Christ. 


As a child I sat between my dad, who had a fine tenor voice and my mum, in Erdington Methodist church in Birmingham. I was surrounded by my extended family. My parents and grandparents seemed to know everybody. Church was very sociable. I enjoyed singing the hymns and my mum made sure I stopped fidgeting especially to say the Lords Prayer. In the Sunday School room was a picture of Jesus, children sitting at his feet, with the words “Suffer the little children to come unto me”. I found the illustration fascinating and comforting. Later when I could understand the words I was singing, the line from the Christmas Carol “What can I give Him, give Him my heart” had a big effect on me. I carried on regularly attending church, even briefly becoming a Sunday School teacher, until I came to Leeds as a student. I turned my back on all things church, but the foundation of my faith was deep inside.

I meet my first husband, Liam, through a friend. Liam was a Northern Ireland Catholic. It was the hight of The Troubles. On my first visit to Newry in 1990, I thought I would be shot because I was English and a non-Catholic, but I was made to feel very welcome and regularly attended Mass. When Liam and I got married in Guiseley Methodist church, Cannon Harold Parker from Ripon Catholic church took part in the service. At Liam’s funeral in Ripon Catholic Church, Rev Andrew Howarth who had married us, gave the Address. Liam and I had decided our son Will would be brought up a Catholic, go to St Wilfrid’s Catholic School. When visiting Birmingham we also attended the Methodist church. 

Now I’m happily married to David and so much part of St John’s wonderful community. Ringing the bells to let the village know the church is here and open for business! When I sing in church, on Sunday or with Ripon Choral Society at rehearsals, and at the Cathedral, the words have a profound effect on me. “And in a still voice, onward came the Lord” from Mendelsohn Elijah recently reminded me to stop, listen and “be still in the presence of the Lord”. "

As we step into the month of June there is a real sense of spring turning into summer- this year my flipflops are out very early! So as always I have bought a car boot full of little plants, full of misplaced confidence in my gardening ability, but inspired by the beauty and optimism of the natural world around me.  At the moment the hawthorn is looking particularly stunning laden with blossom- the new growth and the warmer days promises a time of renewal.   


Just as nature reaches peak growing season, the season of Pentecost offers us its own renewal and promise of growth.   Pentecost is the great feast of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that God’s presence isn’t just for Sundays, feast days or to be found in church, it’s the fire that ignites hearts, a wind that stirs life into dry bones and a warmth that makes things new.   On that first Pentecost the disciples, once fearful and uncertain, were transformed by the Spirit’s power.  Their courage swelled and their lives became a living testament to God’s love.   


So in June we are also invited to embrace transformation, just like my tiny plants who stretch to the sun to receive life, we are called to lean towards the Spirit. This is a season of growth for us all- Pentecost asks us to stir into life, embrace the gifts and talents we have been given and consider how our lives can also become that living testament to God’s love. 


We’ll see some of the talents in our community at the forthcoming Midsummer Piano, Pimms and Poetry Afternoon tea- everyone is welcome on 21st June at 2pm- [email protected]. This promises to be a very special event- what a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon!   Services in June are as usual, with, we hope, something for everybody throughout the month- hope to see you all soon.


-Kindly penned by our marvellous Children's Minister and Worship Leader 
-Carol-Ann
to edit.

Some of you might know that our fabulous congregation member, Deborah, is a talented and thought provoking writer. Se writes under her birth name Deborah Sheppard. 
We are so pleased to share a poem from her, penned on the last day of her first retreat to Iona.

​Arriving in the Leaving
 
You arrived
with an idea of Iona.
You giddied the week into being -
 
the latest release:
 
‘Twelve Women Retreat to an Island’
 
…cinematic outtakes:
women, holding,
sharing - mingling
minds.
 
You left
with a reel
of real.
 
She can have this effect.
… Iona I mean.
 
She leaves you
reeling in
the realing.
 
She knows the script
of your Soul
and is not afraid
to leave you
alone with yourSelf.


She uses true mirrors
to good effect.
 
We arrive wanting;
solitude is part of this
course -
but, This
is ‘The Lone’
in aloneness.
 
You’re playing a part
that maybe
you’d prefer to be scattered
cuttings on the floor
in the final cut;
you discover  
that the riches
are in the subplot.
 
…The woman connection
goes deep…
as always.
 
We find that inner
longing is unanswered
but captured.
 
And, as you write this
solitary piece looking
over the sound to Mull,
 
The Iona Max Screen
is playing
‘A Flock of Geese’
forming the V:
the invisible
Unspoken.
 
Their versus
is held in belonging
and they don’t need
to honk about it​

The Order of the Holy Paraclete
Founded over a century ago, the Order is a female Anglican religious community based at St Hilda’s Priory in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Inspired by the Benedictine tradition, St Hilda, and the Northern Saints, the Sisters live and work together, both at the Priory and in community settings in the UK and in Africa.  ​

​Journeying Through the Stages

• Postulant: An initial period of 3 months to a year to explore the calling, guided by an experienced Tertiary.
• Novice: Upon commitment, simple promises are made, and a Novice cross is received. This stage lasts at least two years, focusing on developing one’s Rule of Life.
• Full Member: After the Novitiate, life promises are made, and a Full Member’s cross is received. These promises are renewed every three years.

​Spiritual Resources
Members receive the Rule of Life, a commentary on the Rule, and a Midday Prayer and Compline booklet. Regular mailings include a daily prayer diary, the Warden’s letter, and news updates, nurturing a continuous spiritual journey.

Nicky,
​We want to express our heartfelt thanks to you as you retire from your role as our safeguarding officer. Your background as a nurse has shone through in every act of care, compassion, and diligence, and we’ve been truly blessed by your presence. Your gentle strength and unwavering commitment have made our church a safer and kinder place. For all the ways you’ve cared, supported, and protected us—thank you.

Ruth,
​We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Ruth as she steps down from her ex officio role on the PCC. Her faithful guidance, rooted in prayer and centered in Christ, has been a steadying and inspiring presence for us all. Over the decades, Ruth has served St John’s in many invaluable ways, and her commitment to our church community is a true blessing. We are deeply grateful for all she has given and continues to give.

Rosemary,
​As you retire after many years of faithful service as our Church Warden, we gather to thank you and celebrate your dedication. You have offered loving pastoral care to all, always ready with a kind word, and have carefully overseen countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals with compassion and grace. You have been a steady support to our clergy and have diligently handled the church’s administration, keeping our parish running smoothly for all these years. You have inspired and motivated volunteers with your warmth, gently resolved countless issues, and provided wise and calming leadership whenever challenges arose.


We have all cherished seeing you with your familiar cuppa in hand, usually devouring some time-sensitive paperwork, and your wonderful Peter faithfully not far away, usually amongst the churchyard. Thank you, Rosemary, for pouring your heart into this community and for your tireless, loving service all these years. We pray God’s richest blessings on you as you begin this new chapter of rest and joy in your retirement. In the words of our Lord from Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant” – a fitting tribute to your years of selfless dedication.